[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-childhood-friend-of-the-zenith":3,"chapter-childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-513":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Childhood Friend of the Zenith",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1240339,1667,"Chapter 512","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-513",513,"\u003Cp>Srrng-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hand extends forward.The tip of the raised sword swings smoothly as if responding to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A space shrouded in darkness, barely visible.In the midst of it, the old man's sword glimmers with light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a martial artist, darkness is hardly an obstacle.Eyes imbued with inner energy could pierce even that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whish-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwooo-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a single swing of the sword, a whirlwind surges.Wind gathers at the toes grounding his stance.The footwork becomes a storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, lightning merges with the wind.After four or five swings of the old man's sword,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shwiik-shwik!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound arrives belatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he moves, afterimages linger continuously in the air.The speed surpasses sound, visible as traces in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Changcheon Mu-Ae Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sword technique cultivated and tamed over countless years by the Namgung family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wielding inner energy and infusing it with lightning,the old man’s perfected art unfolds ceaselessly in his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his skin had wrinkled with age, and the vigor of youth had faded,the level he attained made his martial prowess undiminished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, it would be more accurate to say he became even more refined over the long years.Though strength had waned, his mastery of its use had grown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man held confidence in his sword.It was, he thought, sharper than ever before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His toes brushed the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaned forward and shot forth, channeling lightning into his soles to increase speed.Using the momentum, he drew power up to his right arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Changryongbo, a footwork technique extensively researched to optimize lightning’s usage,makes the old man’s movements faster than anyone’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The afterimages left behind were so vivid, it seemed as though there were many of him.Such speed only meant one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It doesn’t reach…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as his speed gradually increased,the wrinkles on the old man's brow showed no signs of relaxing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It doesn’t reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither the sword wrapped in lightning nor his own body,not even his sound-breaking footwork, could pierce a certain line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it the nature of this space?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to recklessly demolish the surroundings, he held back his strength.Could that be the issue?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man shook his head inwardly.He had drawn his sword in indignation, but he wasn’t so far gone as to lose himself in obsession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It simply didn’t reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither his sword nor his body could reach that man.This realization held various meanings for the old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man’s blue eyes turned toward the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A figure in the shadowy mist, his red eyes glowed distinctly even in the darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was not a hint of disturbance in his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after such a brief clash, could one remain so calm?Seeing this, the old man recalculated inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, he’s been hiding his strength.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tiger Hero Gu Cheolwoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Years ago, a former commander of the Shinryongdae, a direct unit under the Martial Alliance leader.Before that, he had been famed as the foremost prodigy, granted the title \"Dragon of Shinryong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Currently, he served as the head of the Gu family, his presence drastically reduced.Yet, the Celestial Master knew vaguely who Gu Cheolwoon was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though not widely known,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon was a man who had met and subdued all five Sages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, he had withstood and won against two of them in joint attack.It was astonishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While such a feat wasn’t impossible for the Celestial Master himself, considering Gu Cheolwoon’s age back then made it absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, he had only barely entered his thirties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, after that, he had gradually withdrawn from prominence, a fact even the Celestial Master momentarily forgot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it because of this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master could not comprehend the current situation.No matter how strong theTiger Herohad been back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This situation makes no sense…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shwiik!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, the sword sliced through empty space.And again, nothing was cut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shifted his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Intending to locate Gu Cheolwoon,but there was no need to bother. Gu Cheolwoon had never once left his sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Catch me if you can—that’s what it seems to mean.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s how it felt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master chuckled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At himself, of all people? How remarkably arrogant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, even as he felt this, the Celestial Master grudgingly admitted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in a brief exchange, he could tell.Gu Cheolwoon was a man entitled to such arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was astonishing, really.To live while concealing such a formidable presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No further—this is enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master’s grip tightened. He had no intention of killing Gu Cheolwoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He merely intended to make a point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That one should not dare to disregard Namgung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the representative of the Namgung family; this was not something to back down on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If his family was insulted, then the appropriate retribution must be delivered.The Celestial Master could not retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung was he, and he was Namgung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!The Celestial Master momentarily focused energy at his core.If it won’t reach, the solution is to make it reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy energy surged through his body’s pressure points.The Celestial Master’s blue eyes glowed with light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwooo-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An immense pressure burst forth from the Celestial Master’s body.Such vast energy that it nearly crushed the space around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Namgung’s secret technique, theKing’s Sword Form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure exploded, shaking the walls around them.Even with careful restraint, the surroundings couldn’t withstand it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master adjusted his grip on his sword, suppressing his roaring energy.Gu Cheolwoon faced the full brunt of theKing’s Sword Form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, his body should have been restricted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Celestial Master’s energy-infused sword began to emit a blinding flash toward Gu Cheolwoon—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shiver-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master abruptly halted his movement and twisted his body.An eerie chill had just swept over him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Retracting all motion and bursting his energy to twist his body,the place where his chest had been was pierced by something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shwiish-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Gu Cheolwoon’s arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small spark ignited in Gu Cheolwoon’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwooooosh-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive flame erupted, hot enough to melt even the walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master’s eyes widened at the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surely he had taken theKing’s Sword Formhead-on, yet he moved immediately after?The Celestial Master’s mind went blank. This was an entirely unforeseen scenario.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the speed—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he not twisted in earnest, he would have been hit directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sound of sparks flying from the front.The Celestial Master immediately twisted his sword to switch into a defensive stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Kuhk…!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cracking sound from his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flame had vanished, and Gu Cheolwoon struck the Celestial Master’s shoulder.He failed to block it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did the Celestial Master realize.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of the spark was a feint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But by then, it was too late.His shoulder shattered, his stance broke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To regain his stance would take time. A moment to others, but in the realm of martial artists, it was a matter of life and death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that moment, the Celestial Master sensed his defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing further happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until the Celestial Master resumed his stance, Gu Cheolwoon made no move.Not only that,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon simply stood there, watching the Celestial Master, who had paused in attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Celestial Master looked at him in bewilderment, Gu Cheolwoon slowly began to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is your careless complacency over?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If so, then raise your sword properly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His calm words pierced through the Celestial Master’s chest.Embarrassment surged up to the crown of his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha… What a fool I’ve been.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pride he had barely held on to crumbled.The Celestial Master realized he had made a mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve shown an embarrassing side… My apologies, Lord Gu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The difference in actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been too dismissive.Even though he realized from the first exchange that Gu Cheolwoon was no opponent to underestimate, he had still made a blunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Gu Cheolwoon was aware of this, he had granted him the realization in a rather humiliating manner.Understanding this, the Celestial Master bit his lip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He should have recognized it the moment he saw Gu Cheolwoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just from his overwhelming presence and aura, he knew that Gu Cheolwoon was his equal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, foolish pride had prevented him from accepting it.It was time to let go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Buzz-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master’s atmosphere changed.The wind blew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning surged throughout his body, giving rise to a reactive force, and strength returned to his aged frame.He unleashed all the power he had been restraining to prevent the collapse of the space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cracks formed in the air.Light seeped out from the cracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heart Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The form of the Celestial Master’s Heart Sword illuminated all around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As energy flowed out, his chest burned hot.His core quivered, trembling with vibration, and energy poured out wildly to withstand it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling this, the Celestial Master swallowed his emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he first wielded the Heart Sword, it had not been so burdensome.For some reason, wielding it now felt daunting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A heart demon, perhaps?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the Heart Sword’s power stemmed from one’s state of mind,the presence of a heart demon would only complicate things. He grit his teeth at the thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it didn’t matter.This was not the time for such concerns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword’s glowing aura pointed directly at Gu Cheolwoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword in his grip radiated power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning pierced through the heat surrounding Gu Cheolwoon, seizing control of the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>TheKing’s Sword Formmanifested again.It expanded in size as it intertwined with the lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master’s unleashed presence doubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was enough to devour Gu Cheolwoon’s emanating heat and presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A second step forward.Pop!Lightning sparked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master vanished from Gu Cheolwoon’s sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One Strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A slash imbued with the Celestial Master’s insight cut a diagonal line toward Gu Cheolwoon.Simultaneously, the Heart Sword emitted light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the cramped space, there was no room to dodge.Wind carried by the whirlwind mingled with lightning, transforming into thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Celestial Master’s thunder pierced toward Gu Cheolwoon’s neck, just before the flash was unleashed—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon’s eyes moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those red eyes, they were looking straight at the Celestial Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a dull sound rang out as the Celestial Master’s sword was repelled.Unable to control the backlash, the Celestial Master let out an involuntary gasp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What had happened? The Celestial Master gulped as he assessed the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon had struck the flat of the sword with his fist, repelling it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shock spread, shattering the aura surrounding the sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hardened energy cultivated over many years shattered with a single punch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the fragments of his aura scatter in the air, the Celestial Master’s chest grew cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if that were not enough,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon swung his unused left fist in the opposite direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thwack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Gu Cheolwoon’s massive fist grazed the air, a fierce noise echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heart Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master’s very essence and absolute power as a swordsman was split in two by a single punch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwooooosh-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the power collapsed, the gathered pressure dispersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unbound energy crashed against the walls, shattering everything around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cracks spread everywhere, as if the place would collapse any second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master’s mouth hung open at the sudden situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he be so helpless?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching his shattered aura dissipate, strength left the Celestial Master’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grgh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His martial arts forcibly halted as the backlash spread.Even his Heart Sword shattered, affecting his vessel directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kneeling, blood trickled from the Celestial Master’s mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah… hah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though pain ripped through him like cracks in a vessel, the Celestial Master looked up first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before him stood Gu Cheolwoon, unchanged from the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hands clasped behind his back, his red eyes gazing down, entirely untouched by battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the Celestial Master let out a dry laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So… I truly had no idea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only had Gu Cheolwoon shattered his aura bare-handed, but he’d even crushed the Heart Sword.Such effortless movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon hadn’t even used anything that could be called martial arts.Despite being a warrior skilled in fire techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without wiping the blood from his lips, the Celestial Master asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How can you live in hiding with such power?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than surprise, curiosity now took precedence. How could he not wonder?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon frowned slightly at the Celestial Master’s question, prompting him to speak further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Surely, there is no one in this world who could defeat you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is no one in the world who could defeat him.In the end, the Celestial Master acknowledged it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon was indeed the greatest in the world today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no other way.Witnessing such power, his pride as a martial artist would not allow him to deny it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master was simply curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does the Wei family know of this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wei family—referring to the former leader of the Martial Alliance and the old master known as the Sword Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did the Sword Master know of Gu Cheolwoon’s power?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In response, Gu Cheolwoon answered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He is aware.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master, upon hearing the affirmative answer, fell deeper into his own questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then… why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why hide such power?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master also knew the Gu family harbored many burdens.Was he living in seclusion for those burdens?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As such thoughts crossed his mind,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It simply does not matter to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon spoke in a detached voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What you all consider so important, holds no relevance to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The title of the strongest in the world.The honor and fame that come with being a powerful warrior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pride and presence as a martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>None of it held any significance to Gu Cheolwoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t understand it.At least to the Celestial Master, it was incomprehensible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then… what is important to you, Lord Gu? What is your goal?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could be so important?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Celestial Master’s question, Gu Cheolwoon reflected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps, there hadn’t been anything for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On that winter day when he had lost everything,Gu Cheolwoon had abandoned even his dreams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had lived avoiding it for so long, but now he finally sought something again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For that, he could no longer hesitate.Without voicing an answer, Gu Cheolwoon stepped toward the Celestial Master. He had no intention of prolonging needless conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His palm tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chi-i-i-i-k…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master could see it.Gu Cheolwoon’s hand glowing red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t feel like fire energy, as there was no heat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And beyond that, there was an unnerving absence of any sensation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Master realized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That it was his death, as he gazed upon Gu Cheolwoon’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t even fathom the form of this power.Yet precisely because of that, it was all the more terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With death looming at his throat, the Celestial Master spoke in a weary voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You may take my life…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But please, I beg you, show mercy to the Namgung family…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, there was no response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no longer any choice.The Celestial Master closed his eyes in resignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon reached out toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just before his blood-red hand could touch the Celestial Master—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Father?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden voice from nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing it, Gu Cheolwoon’s body froze.\u003C\u002Fp>",2503,"2026-06-05T15:10:08.481Z",1,"novelbin.me","cdf04d71c7a62ef268805bf444814324400e0f31b736284576a78accbbfff436","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-514","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-512",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]